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HP+ ended September 27, 2022

Better Policy for Better Health

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News

Overview

HP+ and its staff and partners operate in a variety of settings around the world. The project's work in and on behalf of partner countries is often enhanced through participation in prominent international conferences and symposia, or while seated at the table with leaders, policymakers, and advocates around the world. Read the latest news and stories about HP+ and its impact on global, national, and subnational health outcomes.

It's a Wrap: Health Policy Plus Culminating Event Features Family Planning Advances
It's a Wrap: Health Policy Plus Culminating Event Features Family Planning Advances
September 8, 2022

HP+ concluded it end-of-project dissemination on September 7 and 8, 2022, at its "Family Planning Share Fair." Two days of virtual events gathered the project's technical leaders in policy, advocacy, financing, and governance along with senior leadership in USAID's Office of Population and Reproductive Health to review the project's family planning results, tools, and lessons learned.

Stakeholders in Nigeria Advance Discussions on Local Production of Antiretroviral Drugs and Test Kit
Stakeholders in Nigeria Advance Discussions on Local Production of Antiretroviral Drugs and Test Kit
July 21, 2022

HP+ is helping convene stakeholders in Nigeria to develop a roadmap to advance local production of HIV commodities, increasing access to quality ARV drugs and HIV test kits.

Providing Critical COVID-19 Response, HP+ Honduras Closes with Notable Achievements
Providing Critical COVID-19 Response, HP+ Honduras Closes with Notable Achievements
July 18, 2022

As HP+ Honduras comes to a close, a summary of the achievements in health policy, including the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Celebrating Contributions to Development in Madagascar as Health Policy Plus Ends its Tenure
Celebrating Contributions to Development in Madagascar as Health Policy Plus Ends its Tenure
July 5, 2022

The project celebrated these almost seven years with an end-of-project event attended by the general director of the National Institute of Public and Community Health, which falls within the Madagascar Ministry of Public Health; several directors of ministerial health departments; the director of planning for the Ministry of Economy and Finance; the USAID Madagascar Mission team; and several experts from HP+, including the global director of the project via video.

Health Policy Plus Closes Work in the West Africa Region
Health Policy Plus Closes Work in the West Africa Region
June 28, 2022

HP+ held an end-of-project event June 24 in Lomé, Togo, to highlight the impact of HP+ West Africa’s activities in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Togo, Benin, and Guinea.

Government of Nigeria Approves Measures to Strengthen and Sustain HIV Financing
Government of Nigeria Approves Measures to Strengthen and Sustain HIV Financing
June 27, 2022

The government of Nigeria has approved two memos calling for sustainable HIV financing reforms. If implemented, the strategy could help mobilize US$662 million for HIV efforts by 2025.

Showcasing HEP+ Role in Advancing Guatemala's Health Sector Reform and the Role of Civil Society
Showcasing HEP+ Role in Advancing Guatemala's Health Sector Reform and the Role of Civil Society
June 15, 2022

The end-of-project event showcased achievements in improved health governance, health financing, health service delivery and access, and capacity development in topics such as health and policy monitoring, policy dialogue, and advocacy to improve health outcomes in Guatemala.

Celebrating Seven Years of HP+ in Mali
Celebrating Seven Years of HP+ in Mali
June 10, 2022

HP+ Mali's closing project event was an opportunity to focus on collaboration, innovation, and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. Stakeholders across Mali's health system intend to build on the strong foundation HP+ has helped build and to continue making progress toward an equitable health system for all Malians.

Niger Government Signs Decree in Support of Regional Family Planning Services
Niger Government Signs Decree in Support of Regional Family Planning Services
June 9, 2022

Niger local government signs decree for the creation of an oversight committee to oversee the implementation of a family planning action plan for its region.

Seven Years of Health Policy Plus in Kenya for Catalyzing Sustainable Finance for Healthcare
Seven Years of Health Policy Plus in Kenya for Catalyzing Sustainable Finance for Healthcare
May 25, 2022

Kenyans from national and county government, donor organizations, and stakeholders gathered in Nairobi and online May 24, 2022 to reflect on a journey to build self-reliance in a country that heretofore has relied chiefly on donor funds to support healthcare for strategic health programs.

Health Policy Plus Catalyzes Universal Health Coverage Reforms in Nigeria
Health Policy Plus Catalyzes Universal Health Coverage Reforms in Nigeria
May 23, 2022

On Thursday May 19, HP+ held its end-of-project event in Abuja and online to showcase policy, advocacy, financing, and governance results for improved health outcomes. The gathering combined knowledge sharing and discussions of how to sustain gains in locally led development, equity for health services, and improved access to care in family planning, reproductive health, maternal and child health, HIV, and tuberculosis across Nigeria.

Health Policy Plus in Malawi Celebrates Achievements as Closing Approaches
Health Policy Plus in Malawi Celebrates Achievements as Closing Approaches
April 28, 2022

The Health Policy Plus (HP+) project in Malawi, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and PEPFAR, celebrated almost seven years of accomplishments with an in-person event in Lilongwe, streamed live, and showcasing three major pillars of achievement in improved policy implementation and monitoring, health governance and sustainable health systems, and multisectoral engagement to improve the lives and health of Malawians.

Health Policy Plus Celebrates Public-Private Partnership Success as the Project Closes in Indonesia
Health Policy Plus Celebrates Public-Private Partnership Success as the Project Closes in Indonesia
March 24, 2022

Overview of recent webinar on success of public-private partnership project in Indonesia.

Family Planning and Effective, Inclusive, and Accountable Governance
Family Planning and Effective, Inclusive, and Accountable Governance
February 23, 2022

A recent PACE and HP+ roundtable featured key takeaways from programs in Guatemala and Kenya.

Exploring the Potential of Blended Financing Initiatives for Health
Exploring the Potential of Blended Financing Initiatives for Health
January 24, 2022

HP+ hosted an online forum to explore how blended finance can help catalyze commercial engagement in health and the barriers to doing so and recently published the showcased works.

HP+ Tanzania Marks the End-of-Project with Conversations on Family Planning Advocacy and Budgeting
HP+ Tanzania Marks the End-of-Project with Conversations on Family Planning Advocacy and Budgeting
January 21, 2022

HP+ in Tanzania hosted a series of policy and advocacy webinars to mark and celebrate the project's achievements in family planning in Tanzania over the past six years. HP+ Tanzania country director, Stella Mujaya, welcomed guests from USAID, government, and development partners to four webinars held over several days in September and October 2021.

Indonesia Launches Public-Private Partnership to Improve Maternal Health
Indonesia Launches Public-Private Partnership to Improve Maternal Health
January 19, 2022

To pilot a new regulation by Indonesia's Ministry of Health on public-private partnerships (PPPs) for health, the government launched its first PPP to support a maternity waiting home in South Sulawesi.

Faith and Health Leaders in Kenya's Kilifi County Partner on Birth Spacing and COVID
Faith and Health Leaders in Kenya's Kilifi County Partner on Birth Spacing and COVID
December 9, 2021

HP+ provided financial and technical support for local leaders and representatives from Kilifi's departments of health and gender to meet and create harmonized social and behavior change messages.

Lagos State Government Increases Financial Commitment to Fight HIV
Lagos State Government Increases Financial Commitment to Fight HIV
November 29, 2021

An increase in Lagos state’s HIV budget and release of funds signifies greater government ownership and commitment in fighting HIV.

New Strategy Further Transforms Liberia's Health System
New Strategy Further Transforms Liberia's Health System
November 18, 2021

Liberia’s Ministry of Health has launched a new private sector engagement strategy, moving the country’s health system a step closer toward achieving universal health coverage.

Lagos State Health Scheme Expands Health Insurance Coverage to Poor, Vulnerable, and Key Populations
Lagos State Health Scheme Expands Health Insurance Coverage to Poor, Vulnerable, and Key Populations
November 5, 2021

The Lagos State government is committed to ensuring access to quality health services for all residents, regardless of their economic, social, and/or cultural backgrounds.

Guatemala's Tailored, Rural Vaccination Plan Strengthens COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage
Guatemala's Tailored, Rural Vaccination Plan Strengthens COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage
October 28, 2021

The strategy will improve vaccination coverage in hard-to-reach communities by establishing a framework to improve planning management of resources and efficiency.

Improved Health Infrastructure Governance Offers Hope of Clean Water and Sanitation
Improved Health Infrastructure Governance Offers Hope of Clean Water and Sanitation
August 2, 2021

HEP+ assisted with streamlining the approval process of Guatemala's water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure project.

Guatemala Launches COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Website with HEP+ Support
Guatemala Launches COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Website with HEP+ Support
July 15, 2021

This new website is part of Guatemala's vaccination plan to get more of its population vaccinated against COVID-19.

Nigeria Launches a National Domestic Resource Mobilization and Sustainability Strategy for HIV
Nigeria Launches a National Domestic Resource Mobilization and Sustainability Strategy for HIV
June 24, 2021

Deemed a game changer, the strategy will strengthen Nigeria’s HIV response and ensure that its HIV epidemiological control efforts are more effective, impactful, and sustained. The implementation of the strategy aims to raise up to USD 662 million for the 2021–2025 period.

Madagascar’s Costed Implementation Plan for Family Planning
Madagascar’s Costed Implementation Plan for Family Planning
May 14, 2021

The costed implementation plan online performance monitoring dashboard is streamlining the day-to-day work of Madagascar’s Family Planning Service.

Blended Finance for Family Planning: Three Potential Pathways
Blended Finance for Family Planning: Three Potential Pathways
April 2, 2021

Blended finance is the strategic use of public and philanthropic resources to mobilize private capital to achieve development outcomes.

International Women's Day: Choose to Challenge
International Women's Day: Choose to Challenge
March 3, 2021

For IWD2021, HP+ has rounded up examples of how our work helps people across the globe #ChooseToChallenge gender bias and inequality.

Expanding Digital Financial Services for Health: HP+ Experts Featured as Part of HSR2020
Expanding Digital Financial Services for Health: HP+ Experts Featured as Part of HSR2020
February 26, 2021

HP+ health financing and digital technical leaders Arin Dutta, Shreeshant Prabhakaran, and Liz Nerad led a discussion on the role of digital financial services in supporting these countries on their journey to universal health coverage.

New Plan to Integrate HIV Services into Health Insurance Marks Milestone for Nigeria
New Plan to Integrate HIV Services into Health Insurance Marks Milestone for Nigeria
December 22, 2020

Nigeria has an official plan to integrate HIV into its State Health Insurance Schemes.

Prioritizing Public-Private Partnerships in Indonesia's Health Policy
Prioritizing Public-Private Partnerships in Indonesia's Health Policy
September 30, 2020

HP+ has been working with Indonesia's Centre for Health Financing and Risk Protection (PPJK) at the MOH to develop technical guidelines on non-infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships so that the processes and tools are readily available for use by public and private sector partners.

Supporting Vulnerable Populations through Community-Managed Health Funds in Cambodia
Supporting Vulnerable Populations through Community-Managed Health Funds in Cambodia
September 30, 2020

Since early 2019, HP+ has partnered with NGO Buddhism for Health to support the Community-Managed Health Equity Fund in its mission to be a responsive, inclusive, sustainable community participation structure that enables rural poor and vulnerable population groups to access high-quality healthcare services.

In Mali, Local Leaders Oversee Domestic Funding of Community Health Workers
In Mali, Local Leaders Oversee Domestic Funding of Community Health Workers
September 30, 2020

In Mali, as is the case in many African countries, community health workers (CHWs) provide essential healthcare services - and the need for services provided by this essential workforce is only expected to increase over time. Despite a strong reliance on CHWs, the program is largely donor-dependent, jeopardizing the sustainability of the workforce in the long term.

Malawi Youth Journalists Prompt Increase in HIV Testing via Community Radio Program
Malawi Youth Journalists Prompt Increase in HIV Testing via Community Radio Program
September 2, 2020

Through Developing Radio Partners and the Population Reference Bureau, HP+ has trained more than 100 youth reporters and radio listening club members on how to produce weekly radio programs about youth reproductive health topics. In addition to learning how to create changemaking radio programs, these youth have gained important leadership skills.

In Niger, a Local Leader Makes Family Planning a Priority
In Niger, a Local Leader Makes Family Planning a Priority
August 6, 2020

Niger developed a costed implementation plan for family planning that identifies the resources required for the implementation of priority activities and the purchase of contraceptive products to reach family planning targets.

Recognizing and Responding to COVID-19
Recognizing and Responding to COVID-19
June 25, 2020

Though the parameters of COVID-19 and its long-term impacts are yet to be known, HP+ has responded rapidly to requests to leverage the project’s decades of experience and global presence to support USAID’s pandemic response.

Niger's Private Sector Mobilizes Funds and Supplies to Support the COVID-19 Response
Niger's Private Sector Mobilizes Funds and Supplies to Support the COVID-19 Response
June 17, 2020

In May, HP+ conducted an analysis of available equipment and supplies required to fight COVID-19 in Niger's capital, Niamey. The analysis pointed to the need for an increase in hygiene supplies to effectively combat the pandemic. As a result, the BOA Foundation provided handwashing kits to 20 health facilities in the city.

HP+ Supports the Creation of a Ventilator Task Force to Combat COVID-19 in Honduras
HP+ Supports the Creation of a Ventilator Task Force to Combat COVID-19 in Honduras
June 16, 2020

The donated ventilators, anticipated to be as many as 500 from the U.S. Government alone, could more than double the current number of ventilators present in public sector facilities (about 336). This critical support has the potential to save countless lives in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic.

Madagascar Leverages Data to Support Advocacy Efforts
Madagascar Leverages Data to Support Advocacy Efforts
June 12, 2020

Since 2016, HP+ has been working to strengthen the Malagasy government’s capacity to develop, implement, and monitor health policies and strategies designed to improve the equity and sustainability of health services, supplies, and information, with an emphasis on family planning and community health. This past fall and spring, HP+ aided the country in advancing these objectives by leveraging project-generated data to support advocacy efforts in several ways.

HP+ Supports Local Stewardship of National Policy in Malawi
HP+ Supports Local Stewardship of National Policy in Malawi
June 12, 2020

To help roll out the National Condom Strategy at the local level and establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability, HP+ provided support to the Malawian government to establish District Condom Coordination Committees.

Religious Leaders Training for Joint Accountability in Kenya
Religious Leaders Training for Joint Accountability in Kenya
May 31, 2020

The three-day training, which used HP+’s adapted joint accountability curriculum, aimed to build the capacity of local leaders to contribute to CIP implementation and support government stewardship and transparency.

Burkina Faso's Stewardship of Family Planning Access is Model for the Region
Burkina Faso's Stewardship of Family Planning Access is Model for the Region
May 11, 2020

Burkina Faso's Ministry of Health creates thematic working groups to guide family planning access.

Faith Leaders in Mali Unite Against Gender-Based Violence
Faith Leaders in Mali Unite Against Gender-Based Violence
May 1, 2020

In a country where 45 percent of women report having experienced violence since age 15, engaging faith leaders in GBV prevention efforts is an essential part of improving gender relations and fostering a more favorable environment for women and girls.

A Coordinated Public-Private Sector Response in Liberia to COVID-19
A Coordinated Public-Private Sector Response in Liberia to COVID-19
April 16, 2020

In February 2020, the Healthcare Federation of Liberia (HFL) was officially launched. The most important task for the HFL in its first month of operation became coordinating an effective private sector response to COVID-19.

Nigeria's Health System Reforms Take Root
Nigeria's Health System Reforms Take Root
April 1, 2020

Nigeria has finally begun to see movement in the implementation of sweeping health reforms aimed at improving the quality and supply of primary healthcare for its citizens.

Breaking Down Barriers to Access: Burkina Faso Abolishes HIV User Fees
Breaking Down Barriers to Access: Burkina Faso Abolishes HIV User Fees
March 31, 2020

HP+ has been supporting Burkina Faso to improve policies and programs that engage government and other stakeholders to break down societal stigma and discrimination facing key populations.

Leadership and Commitment Advances Family Planning in Burkina Faso
Leadership and Commitment Advances Family Planning in Burkina Faso
March 2, 2020

The mayor of the second-largest city in Burkina Faso commits CFAF 20 million for family planning.

Indonesia Targets Strategic Purchasing of Health Services to Improve HIV Service Provision
Indonesia Targets Strategic Purchasing of Health Services to Improve HIV Service Provision
March 1, 2020

HP+ worked with the Center for Health Financing and Insurance and the Ministry of Health's HIV Subdirectorate to develop a set of policy recommendations to achieve better efficiency in the national health insurance scheme (JKN) funds currently spent on HIV.

HP+ Satellite Session at PMAC2020 Considers the Role of the Private Sector in Achieving UHC
HP+ Satellite Session at PMAC2020 Considers the Role of the Private Sector in Achieving UHC
February 10, 2020

The session, "Harnessing the Private Sector for UHC through Smart Policy," provided an interactive forum for participants to consider how an enabling environment for private sector engagement can contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage goals.

'I Am And I Will': Malawi Strengthens Cervical Cancer Programming
'I Am And I Will': Malawi Strengthens Cervical Cancer Programming
February 3, 2020

This World Cancer Day, Malawi continues to execute its national strategy to strengthen cancer screening and services.

Malawian Health Leaders Pledge Commitments on Health and Youth on Eve of ICPD25
Malawian Health Leaders Pledge Commitments on Health and Youth on Eve of ICPD25
November 27, 2019

A national symposium in Malawi convened health leaders and stakeholders who made commitments to improve health services for women and youth.

Indonesia Research Institute Releases Policy Recommendations on Maternal and Newborn Health
Indonesia Research Institute Releases Policy Recommendations on Maternal and Newborn Health
November 26, 2019

Indonesia’s National Institute of Health Research and Development (Balitbangkes) released a series of policy briefs containing recommendations for addressing Indonesia’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

Eswatini Sets PrEP Targets Using New Monitoring and Evaluation Tool
Eswatini Sets PrEP Targets Using New Monitoring and Evaluation Tool
November 1, 2019

A new Microsoft Excel-based tool called PrEP-it is now available to help users with their PrEP delivery plan.

West Africa Country Director Briefs Congressional Delegation on Burkina Faso Health Programs
West Africa Country Director Briefs Congressional Delegation on Burkina Faso Health Programs
October 28, 2019

HP+ West Africa country director meets with U.S. congressional delegation on health programs in Burkina Faso.

Community Health Workers Receive Support from West African Health Leaders
Community Health Workers Receive Support from West African Health Leaders
October 8, 2019

A new agreement among nine Francophone West African countries, outlines devising national action plans to mobilize political will and financial support for the inclusion of CHWs in their respective health systems.

Southeastern Nigeria Takes Historic Strides toward Universal Health Coverage
Southeastern Nigeria Takes Historic Strides toward Universal Health Coverage
September 30, 2019

This September, in a historic move, the Abia State legislature took up for the first time the issue of universal health coverage (UHC), inviting in outside experts and resolving to act.

Reinvigorated Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Helps Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding in Malawi
Reinvigorated Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Helps Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding in Malawi
August 2, 2019

Malawi's Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), led by WHO and UNICEF, aims to give newborns the best start in life by promoting exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months.

Authors Explore Stewardship's Role in Strengthening Health Systems and Sustainability
Authors Explore Stewardship's Role in Strengthening Health Systems and Sustainability
June 10, 2019

HP+ launched a special issue of the journal Public Administration and Development, titled Stewardship and Health Systems Strengthening, which explored the concept of stewardship and its underlying six key functions, as outlined by the World Health Organization.

Kenya Launches New Malaria Strategy with First-ever Financial Sustainability Plan
Kenya Launches New Malaria Strategy with First-ever Financial Sustainability Plan
May 13, 2019

Kenya launched the next iteration of its national malaria strategy—one that includes, for the first time, a financial sustainability plan outlining resource needs and availability, and funding opportunities.

Passage of Sweeping Health Reforms Promises to Improve Health for Millions of Rural Malians
Passage of Sweeping Health Reforms Promises to Improve Health for Millions of Rural Malians
May 7, 2019

The President of Mali has announced a series of ground-breaking reforms aimed at reviving Mali’s health system and bringing high-quality healthcare to people across the country.

Nigeria's Senate Passes New Legislation, a Leap Forward for Health Coverage for All
Nigeria's Senate Passes New Legislation, a Leap Forward for Health Coverage for All
May 7, 2019

Nigeria's Federal Capitol Territory (FCT) took a major step toward universal health coverage with the passage of two previously stymied bills, which, once signed into law, will open the door for the FCT to access the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Nigerian Government Funding Boosts Health Insurance in the Federal Capital
Nigerian Government Funding Boosts Health Insurance in the Federal Capital
April 16, 2019

Earlier this year, a resource mobilization plan, developed with technical support from Health Policy Plus (HP+), enabled the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to secure $809,000 from the government to fund health insurance for 25,000 indigent persons in 2019.

Prime Minister Approves Financing Action for Cambodia's Integrated HIV/AIDS Response
Prime Minister Approves Financing Action for Cambodia's Integrated HIV/AIDS Response
March 28, 2019

Cambodia's Prime Minister approved a resolution directing operational funding for HIV response and other key advancements, notably the eligibility of all people living with HIV to receive a Health Equity Card and recognition of the important role played by civil society organizations.

Regardless of Where: International Women's Day
Regardless of Where: International Women's Day
March 8, 2019

This International Women's Day we're working to guarantee women's right to respectful maternity care and to ensure all women and children have the same chance at a healthy life, regardless of where they are born. See our stories from India and Nepal.

Côte d'Ivoire Receives Private Sector Support for the Promotion of Family Planning
Côte d'Ivoire Receives Private Sector Support for the Promotion of Family Planning
February 21, 2019

In response to a shortfall in funding for family planning, a private sector organization has committed 15 million FCFA. These funds, from the International Management Group, have been used to fund family planning activities that help implement the costed implementation plan in Côte d'Ivoire for 2015-2020.

Guatemala Launches National Labor Training System
Guatemala Launches National Labor Training System
February 20, 2019

Guatemala's Ministry of Education launched its National Labor Training System, which seeks to regulate and conduct professional development both within and outside of school systems to respond to the labor demands of the productive sector.

Niger Increases 2019 Funding for Contraceptive Products
Niger Increases 2019 Funding for Contraceptive Products
January 29, 2019

Niger's Ministry of Health has allocated 200 million CFA for the purchase of contraceptive products for 2019. This funding will help Niger strengthen it's FP2020 commitments.

Nigeria Releases Stalled Funds and Further Commits to Improving Health Insurance Programming
Nigeria Releases Stalled Funds and Further Commits to Improving Health Insurance Programming
January 22, 2019

Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Insurance Scheme held its first ever stakeholders’ meeting—a move which led to the eventual release of nearly US$1.4 million in stalled funds and new political commitments by some of the FCT’s top leaders to improve healthcare implementation for an estimated 2.2 million Nigerians.

Municipalities' Role in Funding Family Planning in Francophone West Africa
Municipalities' Role in Funding Family Planning in Francophone West Africa
December 17, 2018

A regional workshop in Cote d'Ivoire brought together eighteen mayors from seven francophone West African countries, to mobilize extra resources for family planning through advocacy.

Making the Case for the Criminalization of Gender-Based Violence in Mali
Making the Case for the Criminalization of Gender-Based Violence in Mali
December 4, 2018

HP+ is working together with the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children, and Families and the National Control Program Against Excision to achieve passage of a law against gender-based violence in Mali.

Beyond Vertical Health Programs: Experts Explore Ways to Integrate HIV into Health Insurance
Beyond Vertical Health Programs: Experts Explore Ways to Integrate HIV into Health Insurance
October 30, 2018

As global experts, policy-makers, and civil society representatives met in Liverpool at HSR2018, a key collection of partners organized a critical discussion on integrating HIV services, especially diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy, into the global agenda as essential life-saving interventions.

Malawi Makes Moves to Strengthen Its Health Information System and Data Use
Malawi Makes Moves to Strengthen Its Health Information System and Data Use
July 3, 2018

To develop the new strategy, Jacob Kawonga, HP+'s Senior Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor seconded to the Ministry of Health's Central Monitoring and Evaluation Division, led a consultative review and drafting process, facilitating workshops and meetings with the M&E Technical Working Group. Kawonga also engaged partners in the review process and prepared a presentation of the strategy.

Madagascar Launches National Health Solidarity Fund
Madagascar Launches National Health Solidarity Fund
June 20, 2018

HP+ has been working closely with Madagascar's Universal Health Coverage support unit to prepare a presidential round table, facilitate workshops and meetings with ministry leadership and stakeholders to review and validate the UHC roadmap, and provide technical support to design the benefits package and the health insurance premium.

HP+ Harnesses Mobile Technology to Gather Citizen Feedback on Health Services
HP+ Harnesses Mobile Technology to Gather Citizen Feedback on Health Services
June 18, 2018

On November 3, 2017, HP+ brought together stakeholders to share the Sauti Yangu experience and confer about the way forward for Afya Maoni.

With an Eye Toward Equity, HP+ Assesses Madagascar's Financing System
With an Eye Toward Equity, HP+ Assesses Madagascar's Financing System
June 8, 2018

To inform decision making toward future health financing reforms in Madagascar, with the ultimate vision of achieving national universal health coverage (UHC), HP+ assessed Madagascar's current health financing arrangements.

HP+ Supported Mombasa County to Reduce Out-of-pocket Costs on Healthcare and Improve Efficiency
HP+ Supported Mombasa County to Reduce Out-of-pocket Costs on Healthcare and Improve Efficiency
June 6, 2018

In Kenya, Mombasa County made strategic shifts in their health financing, increasing the county’s allocation to health to 27% (up from 12% in 2014/15), and developing a social protection policy and framework to support payment of the National Hospital Insurance Fund for the elderly, poor, and disabled.

Webinar Highlights Women's Leadership Role in Strengthening Health Systems
Webinar Highlights Women's Leadership Role in Strengthening Health Systems
June 6, 2018

The HP+ Women's Leadership team hosted a webinar May 23, 2018, titled Fostering Joint Accountability Within Health Systems.

HP+ Supports Key Policy Agenda at the National AIDS Authority Policy Board Meeting
HP+ Supports Key Policy Agenda at the National AIDS Authority Policy Board Meeting
June 6, 2018

Prior to the meeting, HP+ had supported the drafting of key points in the policy agenda, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of people living with HIV in the country's health equity fund and the provision of comprehensive HIV services within the fund's benefits package.

Making an Investment Case for Domestic Resource Mobilization in Cambodia
Making an Investment Case for Domestic Resource Mobilization in Cambodia
May 15, 2018

In Cambodia, HP+ is working with in-country partners to develop two separate investment cases to support advocacy for increased domestic resources to combat tuberculosis (TB) and HIV.

HP+ Mali Advocacy Leads to Commitment to Increase Investment in Community Health Workers
HP+ Mali Advocacy Leads to Commitment to Increase Investment in Community Health Workers
May 15, 2018

HP+ Mali collaborated with the Health and Social Development Commission and Community Health Association of Mali to lead an advocacy session for Mali’s National Assembly. The session promoted increased domestic resource allocation for community health workers (CHWs) who deliver essential healthcare services at the community level.

Experts Call  for Greater Political Will and a Focus on Systems to Scale-Up Health Equity
Experts Call for Greater Political Will and a Focus on Systems to Scale-Up Health Equity
April 17, 2018

HP+ hosted a forum featuring Ellen Starbird of USAID, Joe Kutzin and Veronica Magar of the World Health Organization (WHO), and HP+ speaker Suneeta Sharma and moderator Arin Dutta, who together explored the causes of health inequity, the pros and cons of national health insurance programs with respect to impacts on health equity, and new tools and approaches to reach universal health coverage and reduce health inequity.

Civil Society Organizations Engage Parliamentarians on Key Health Budget Priorities in Tanzania
Civil Society Organizations Engage Parliamentarians on Key Health Budget Priorities in Tanzania
April 8, 2018

HP+ supported a network of civil society organizations in Tanzania to hold a session on key budget issues with members of the Parliamentary Social Development and Services Committee.

RAPIDWomen Launches in Mali
RAPIDWomen Launches in Mali
April 6, 2018

Based on the RAPID model, RAPIDWomen examines the links between family planning, women's empowerment, and education, and demonstrates the benefits investing in women and girls has on social and economic development.

Indonesia Makes Inroads toward Universal Health Coverage through National Health Insurance Program
Indonesia Makes Inroads toward Universal Health Coverage through National Health Insurance Program
March 19, 2018

Indonesia is well-positioned to find innovative solutions to the persistent questions of how to successfully implement a large-scale national health insurance program. If they do, it could be a turning point on the road to universal health coverage for Indonesia and countries beyond.

Mauritanian Reproductive Health Law Moves to Implementation
Mauritanian Reproductive Health Law Moves to Implementation
March 9, 2018

Mauritania's new reproductive health law, now moving to implementation, allows community health workers and nurses to provide family planning.

HP+ Celebrates Achievements in Pakistan as Program Comes to a Close
HP+ Celebrates Achievements in Pakistan as Program Comes to a Close
March 5, 2018

On January 29, HP+ Pakistan held an end-of-project event to celebrate the project's successes. The event brought together senior provincial government officials and representatives from USAID, development partners, and civil society. Mr. Ogho Oghdale, USAID deputy mission director for Sindh and Balochistan provinces, showed appreciation of HP+'s work in generating evidence-driven messages linking rapid population growth to development to advocate for family planning.

Three Months, US$620 Million: New Money Mobilized for Health in Mozambique
Three Months, US$620 Million: New Money Mobilized for Health in Mozambique
February 26, 2018

Mozambique has seen a dramatic influx of resources aimed at strengthening the country's health system, reaching underserved populations, and financing its fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

USAID's Attaining Sustainable Financing for Family Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa Meeting
USAID's Attaining Sustainable Financing for Family Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa Meeting
February 7, 2018

Last month marked an important step forward in sub-Saharan Africa’s move toward strategic, sustainable, and country-led financing for family planning. Stakeholders from national governments, civil society, the private sector, USAID, and other development partner organizations gathered at a week-long meeting in Accra, Ghana to share country experiences and explore cutting-edge approaches and tools.

Building a Movement for Respectful Maternity Care
Building a Movement for Respectful Maternity Care
February 1, 2018

USAID's HEARD Project shines the light on the White Ribbon Alliance and HP+'s work to build a movement for respectful maternity care.

HP+ Mali Presents Declaration Supporting Essential Health Care to National Assembly
HP+ Mali Presents Declaration Supporting Essential Health Care to National Assembly
January 1, 2018

HP+ provided technical and financial support for a preparatory workshop to draft the declaration and participated in its official presentation.

Budget Allocations for Health Increase with USAID Planning and Budgeting Guidance
Budget Allocations for Health Increase with USAID Planning and Budgeting Guidance
December 15, 2017

HP+ assisted 26 counties to increase their collective health sector allocations by approximately US$98 million over the past two fiscal years through implementation of program-based budgeting.

Innovations for Universal Health Coverage
Innovations for Universal Health Coverage
December 12, 2017

Achieving universal health coverage and #HealthforAll will require collective action and innovation.

Madagascar Passes Landmark Reproductive  Health and Family Planning Law
Madagascar Passes Landmark Reproductive Health and Family Planning Law
December 12, 2017

The new law will be a tremendous step forward toward rights-based reproductive health services in Madagascar, which until recently operated under a 1920s French colonial framework that prohibited distribution of contraception to youth or married women without spousal consent.

Spotlighting the Role of Key Populations in West Africa's HIV Response
Spotlighting the Role of Key Populations in West Africa's HIV Response
December 9, 2017

In recent years, a social justice movement has emerged in Africa that promotes human rights for sexual minorities. Learn how a special session, jointly organized by HP+, at the International Conference on AIDS in Africa explored ways to improve the enabling environment for key populations and break down societal stigma and discrimination facing those most affected by HIV.

HP+ Staff Recognized for Outstanding Contributions in HIV Response
HP+ Staff Recognized for Outstanding Contributions in HIV Response
December 5, 2017

Over the past several months, HP+ staff have received notable recognition for their contributions to combatting HIV and promoting human rights.

Social Contracting: Hope for Expanded HIV Services in Guyana
Social Contracting: Hope for Expanded HIV Services in Guyana
December 5, 2017

In mid-November nearly 50 civil society, private sector, and government stakeholders and donors gathered in Guyana, helping to move the country closer to establishing public financing of civil society-led HIV services. HP+ is providing technical support to the national AIDS program secretariat to plan for Guyana’s transition from external to domestic financing of HIV programs and services.

Nigeria's Sokoto State Launches RAPID, Adds Budget Line for Child Spacing
Nigeria's Sokoto State Launches RAPID, Adds Budget Line for Child Spacing
December 4, 2017

Nigeria's Sokoto State is ratcheting up its commitment to development and slowing population growth. On November 24, 2017, Sokoto State Deputy Governor launched the state-level RAPID, reaffirming the government's committed to continuing its promotion of child birth spacing.

Jamaica's Redress Rebrand: One Step Closer to Stigma-Free Facilities
Jamaica's Redress Rebrand: One Step Closer to Stigma-Free Facilities
December 4, 2017

HP+ is involved in a number of activities aimed at combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Jamaica, including strengthening the country's redress system and collecting data on stigma and discrimination in health facilities.

Tanzania:  Assessing the Financial Viability of Single National Health Insurance
Tanzania: Assessing the Financial Viability of Single National Health Insurance
November 15, 2017

Based on an actuarial study to project the SNHI scheme's financial viability, the brief will inform efforts by other countries in the region to implement similar insurance reforms.

Malawi Moves Toward Universal Health Coverage with an Updated Essential Health Package
Malawi Moves Toward Universal Health Coverage with an Updated Essential Health Package
November 8, 2017

The government of Malawi, with support from HP+, is developing a health financing strategy to help mobilize resources required to deliver the EHP and close the financing gap for the implementation of the newly developed Health Sector Strategic Plan II.

Supporting Decentralization in Guatemala
Supporting Decentralization in Guatemala
November 8, 2017

The HEP+ team in Guatemala continues their work to support the government's health sector reform and to put in place a strong, decentralized system of governance and public service provision.

Ebonyi State Governor Calls for Family Planning Investment at RAPID Launch in Nigeria
Ebonyi State Governor Calls for Family Planning Investment at RAPID Launch in Nigeria
November 3, 2017

The Ebonyi State RAPID provides easy-to-use facts and figures that support the case for investment in family planning in Ebonyi based on a model application projecting the impact of rapid population growth on various sectors.

Champions Secure Strengthened Reproductive Health Law, FP Access for all in Burkina Faso
Champions Secure Strengthened Reproductive Health Law, FP Access for all in Burkina Faso
November 1, 2017

Burkina Faso's reproductive health law has been strengthened with the Minister of Health's approval of new regulatory language emphasizing the rights of users. The reproductive health law, originally passed in 2005, with support from USAID-funded health policy projects and in collaboration with the National Assembly, had previously lacked enforceability.

Strengthening Jamaica's HIV Response with Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention
Strengthening Jamaica's HIV Response with Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention
October 30, 2017

Originally published in 2015, PHDP was created by and for people living with HIV and key populations to promote personal health and advocate for high-quality HIV services. The curriculum includes new and updated modules on a range of topics, including treatment literacy, disclosure, and stigma and discrimination, and contains training menus that demonstrate how the modules can be used comprehensively or a la carte depending on needs, goals, and the amount of time available for training.

Kenya's Ministry of Health Concludes the Global Fund Grant Making Process
Kenya's Ministry of Health Concludes the Global Fund Grant Making Process
October 15, 2017

The Ministry of Health in Kenya engaged stakeholders in preparation of the grant for securing Global Fund resources for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Health Informatics Team Hits the Ground in West Africa
Health Informatics Team Hits the Ground in West Africa
October 13, 2017

HP+’s West Africa Health Informatics Team (WAHIT) colleagues are in the region this week and next to launch the program and discuss how West Africa can strengthen national health information systems (NHIS) and integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR).

Strengthening Stigma & Discrimination Redress in Jamaica
Strengthening Stigma & Discrimination Redress in Jamaica
October 13, 2017

As part of HP+'s ongoing support to Jamaica's Ministry of Health to strengthen its Complaint Management System, HP+ Jamaica organized a training this week for JN+ redress officers.

ONE Campaign CEO Gayle Smith Kicks Off Anita Ashok Datar Lecture Series
ONE Campaign CEO Gayle Smith Kicks Off Anita Ashok Datar Lecture Series
October 9, 2017

ONE Campaign President and CEO Gayle Smith provided the inaugural address to kick off a new lecture series sponsored by the Institute for Women’s Leadership at Rutgers University on October 8, 2017. Named in honor of Anita Datar, the lecture series is designed to inform and engage students, faculty, and the public about pressing issues in in women’s global health.

PLOS Publication: HPP Study Finds GSD Trainings Effect Change
PLOS Publication: HPP Study Finds GSD Trainings Effect Change
September 19, 2017

The Health Policy Project, the predecessor to HP+, with funding from PEPFAR provided Gender and Sexual Diversity trainings for 2,825 participants including PEPFAR staff and program implementers, U.S. government staff, and local stakeholders in 38 countries. Results from the first study to report on GSD attitude change among a global sample of almost 180 individuals from 33 countries were published in PLOS on September 19, 2017.

Nigeria's Bauchi State Launches First RAPID, Attempts to Curb the Impact of Rapid Population Growth
Nigeria's Bauchi State Launches First RAPID, Attempts to Curb the Impact of Rapid Population Growth
September 13, 2017

On September 13th 2017, H.E. Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State announced the launch of the first Bauchi RAPID. The launch represents the first RAPID among the three states HP+ is currently supporting.

Improving Health Financing and Resource Allocation in Mali
Improving Health Financing and Resource Allocation in Mali
September 1, 2017

In August 2017, HP+ shared the results of a costing and financial gap analysis of community health workers that provide services as part of Mali’s Community Health Program.

Guatemalan Civil Society Networks Gain Success in Ending Child Marriage
Guatemalan Civil Society Networks Gain Success in Ending Child Marriage
August 23, 2017

With the support of the USAID-funded HP+ Guatemala (HEP+) and the successful advocacy of local networks, the Congress of Guatemala on August 17th approved a revision to the civil code to prohibit the marriage of minors, with no exceptions.

Liberia Surpasses Goal, Kicks off Development of Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan
Liberia Surpasses Goal, Kicks off Development of Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan
August 15, 2017

Liberia remains one of the fastest growing nations in the world with respect to population growth rate. Approximately 60% of Liberians are under 30 years of age and one in three teenagers have experienced a pregnancy. Modern contraceptive use remains low at 20% amidst slowly rising demand. The CIP presents an important opportunity for the country to bolster resources and momentum to scale up strategic efforts to meet the country's goal of increasing its modern contraceptive prevalence rate.

USAID Report Focuses on Health Systems and Ending Preventable Child and Maternal Deaths
USAID Report Focuses on Health Systems and Ending Preventable Child and Maternal Deaths
August 8, 2017

Kelly Saldaña, Director of the Office of Health Systems at USAID, presented the 2017 Acting on the Call report at the Palladium DC office at a briefing organized by Elena Ateva, Maternal and Newborn Health Policy and Advocacy Advisor, and Betsy McCallon, CEO, at HP+ partner the White Ribbon Alliance. The 2017 report lays out how health systems strengthening (HSS) contributes to maternal and child survival goals.

New Kenya Law Ensures Access to Health Services
New Kenya Law Ensures Access to Health Services
August 3, 2017

The USAID-funded Health Policy Project (HPP), the Health Policy Plus (HP+) project's predecessor, provided extensive technical assistance to Kenya's Ministry of Health in the development of this law, facilitating advocacy and consensus-building efforts and providing guidance on linking the law with the Kenya Health Policy.

HP+ supporting Malawi's FP2020 goals
HP+ supporting Malawi's FP2020 goals
July 28, 2017

Prior to the summit, in collaboration with the government of Malawi, DFID, UNFPA, and other civil society organizations, HP+ held a high-level meeting in Lilongwe to brief the media and discuss Malawi's progress on FP2020 commitments. With the objective of increasing the country's contraceptive prevalence rate 60% by 2020, with a focused increase in those aged 15-24.

Spotlight Session: Domestic Solutions for Sustainable Family Planning Financing to 2030 and Beyond
Spotlight Session: Domestic Solutions for Sustainable Family Planning Financing to 2030 and Beyond
July 21, 2017

At the July 2017 Family Planning Summit in London, HP+’s Deputy Director for FP/RH, Jay Gribble, curated and moderated a spotlight session on domestic solutions for sustainable family planning financing.

Guatemala Launches Decentralization Pilot Programs
Guatemala Launches Decentralization Pilot Programs
July 21, 2017

With HEP+ support, a National Decentralization Plan was approved by President Jimmy Morales in February 2017. On July 21, 2017, with President Morales in attendance, SCEP signed agreements with the Municipal Association of Los Altos in the Quetzaltenango Department to launch pilot decentralization programs in three municipalities.

Malawi Launches Health Sector Strategic Plan II
Malawi Launches Health Sector Strategic Plan II
July 19, 2017

The Government of Malawi launched the Health Sector Strategic Plan II (HSSP II) 2017–2022,in Lilongwe. The HSSP II is the health sector's medium-term strategic plan outlining objectives and strategies and guiding resources over a five-year period.

Nigeria's Fourth National RAPID Can Guide Country's Future Development
Nigeria's Fourth National RAPID Can Guide Country's Future Development
July 7, 2017

On July 6, a representative of the acting president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, launched Nigeria's fourth National RAPID. RAPID is an evidenced-based advocacy tool that projects the social and economic consequences of high fertility on different sectors of the economy, including labor, education, health, urbanization, and agriculture.

HP+ West Africa Leadership Plays Leading Role on ECOWAS Task Shifting/Sharing Resolution
HP+ West Africa Leadership Plays Leading Role on ECOWAS Task Shifting/Sharing Resolution
June 21, 2017

HP+ regional director Modibo Maiga was selected to draft the partners' resolution. Mr. Maiga led a small committee to draft the resolution on task shifting/sharing in the ECOWAS region, which will help advance the sustainable development goals.

HP+ West Africa Joins the OP Donors' Caravan
HP+ West Africa Joins the OP Donors' Caravan
June 2, 2017

HP+ West Africa's regional director, Modibo Maïga, and deputy director Brahima Bassane joined a high-level delegation of Ouagadougou Partnership donors in Burkina Faso last week to highlight USAID's and the project's pivotal role in developing and supporting the implementation of that country's costed implementation plan.

Pakistan's Women Leaders: An Unfolding Story
Pakistan's Women Leaders: An Unfolding Story
May 31, 2017

Participants in HP+'s Women's Leadership initiative in Pakistan have had tremendous success, directly contributing to policy and other efforts aimed at expanding outreach and access to family planning services for youth.

Ambassador for Family Planning Appointed in Burkina Faso
Ambassador for Family Planning Appointed in Burkina Faso
May 12, 2017

Signaling Burkina Faso's leadership in family planning, Professor Nicolas Meda, minister of health, appointed Anne Thieba, wife of Prime Minister Paul Kaba Thieba, as ambassador for family planning at a moving and powerful ceremony on May 12, 2017 in Sandogo. Announcing her new role, Meda spoke openly of his ambitious expectations for the new ambassador's contributions toward the achievement of Burkina Faso’s family planning and development objectives.

Côte d'Ivoire Issues Memo to Scale Up Postpartum Family Planning
Côte d'Ivoire Issues Memo to Scale Up Postpartum Family Planning
April 29, 2017

The Director General of Health of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene of Côte d'Ivoire issued a memorandum scaling up postpartum family planning (PPFP). The new guidance calls for health facilities and qualified service providers to inform new mothers of the full range of family planning methods to ensure free and informed choice of options immediately following delivery.

HP+ Nigeria Holds Family Planning Advocates Workshop on FP Financing
HP+ Nigeria Holds Family Planning Advocates Workshop on FP Financing
April 25, 2017

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and Health Policy Plus (HP+) project hosted a high-level Family Planning (FP) Advocates’ workshop in Abuja. The event brought together prominent Nigerians from a wide variety of backgrounds to explore the challenges facing Family Planning in Nigeria and to commit to specific actions advocating for increased resources for FP intervention in Nigeria.

Sokoto State Deputy Governor Inaugurates Child Spacing Advocacy Working Group
Sokoto State Deputy Governor Inaugurates Child Spacing Advocacy Working Group
April 21, 2017

Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, the deputy governor of Sokoto State, inaugurated the Sokoto State Child Spacing Advocacy Working Group on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. The Sokoto State Child Spacing Advocacy Working Group (AWG) is an initiative of the USAID-funded Health Policy Plus (HP+) project in Nigeria. It is expected to create a platform for stakeholders in Sokoto State to engage with policymakers to promote improved policies and funding for maternal and child health and child spacing.

Madagascar Advances System for Universal Health Coverage
Madagascar Advances System for Universal Health Coverage
April 20, 2017

Madagascar's government council passed a decree in April 2017 establishing a national health solidarity fund as part of its universal health coverage (UHC) efforts.

Policy Forum Examines the Complexities of Health Policymaking in Developing Countries
Policy Forum Examines the Complexities of Health Policymaking in Developing Countries
April 10, 2017

How can you ensure sustainable domestic financing for health programs that prioritize access to the marginalized? How do you navigate power struggles at the decentralized level to effectively implement health programs? How do you keep policy reforms moving forward when stakeholders are at odds? These were among the challenging policy—and political—issues discussed at the forum on “The Art of Policymaking: Advancing Health Policy in Dynamic and Complex Environments,” hosted by HP+.

Stigma: A Multiplier of HIV Risk and Prevalence
Stigma: A Multiplier of HIV Risk and Prevalence
March 29, 2017

A recent article, published in AIDS Care, examines how stigma faced by sex workers affects their use of HIV- and non-HIV related healthcare services and undermines their human right to health. The authors argue that stigma—particularly the intersection of key population- and HIV-related stigma—acts as a roadblock at each step in the HIV treatment cascade, threatening individuals’ health and our collective ability to control the HIV epidemic.

Kenya's Health Spending Up, but Falls Short of Set Targets
Kenya's Health Spending Up, but Falls Short of Set Targets
March 21, 2017

Kenya’s national and county governments are allocating more funds—in absolute terms—to the health sector. However, despite increases, the total health sector allocation remains below the Abuja target, to which the Kenya government has committed. The Abuja target refers to an international pledge that urges governments to allocate at least 15 percent of their annual budget to improve the health sector.

HP+ Supports the Global Effort to Provide Respectful Maternity and Quality Midwifery Care Worldwide
HP+ Supports the Global Effort to Provide Respectful Maternity and Quality Midwifery Care Worldwide
March 1, 2017

On Monday, February 27, HP+ supported the “Midwives’ Voices, Midwives’ Realities” policy dialogue at the Wilson Center, in Washington, DC. The event provided an opportunity to discuss the recently released Midwives Voices, Midwives Realities global survey conducted by the World Health Organization, International Confederation of Midwives, and White Ribbon Alliance.

Indonesia Faces Opportunities to Improve Maternal and Newborn Health
Indonesia Faces Opportunities to Improve Maternal and Newborn Health
February 28, 2017

There is an urgent need to increase engagement of the commercial private sector, civil society organizations, and media outlets to address Indonesia’s pressing maternal and newborn health (MNH) needs, cites a recent report. The report, produced by the USAID-funded Health Policy Plus project, is a call to action for the government of Indonesia, as well as the country's private sector, civil society, and media organizations.

HP+ is Engaging with Health Facilities to Reduce HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination
HP+ is Engaging with Health Facilities to Reduce HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination
February 23, 2017

The S&D package was presented at a webinar, “Engaging with Health Facilities for HIV-related Stigma Reduction,” on February 16, 2017. At the webinar, HP+ staff joined USAID colleagues to share HP+ best practices, resources, and current work related to engagement with health facilities for HIV-related stigma reduction.

PMAC 2017: Paths to Universal Health Coverage for Marginalized Groups Explored at USAID Session
PMAC 2017: Paths to Universal Health Coverage for Marginalized Groups Explored at USAID Session
February 13, 2017

Progress towards universal health coverage will not guarantee that historically marginalized populations will benefit from new health insurance schemes. This was the topic of a dynamic side-session - Extending Coverage to Marginalized Groups – hosted by USAID on January 29, 2017, at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Boosting Family Planning Access in Pakistan
Boosting Family Planning Access in Pakistan
January 16, 2017

HP+ is supporting women leaders and government officials in Sindh to advocate for increased investments in family planning. It is expected that these activities, along with upcoming initiatives working with the media and male champions, will help Sindh expand family planning access, increase contraceptive prevalence, and make progress toward achieving the SDGs, FP2020 commitments, and Pakistan’s national development goals.

HP+ Engages Mali Government, Obtains Signature to Dakar Declaration
HP+ Engages Mali Government, Obtains Signature to Dakar Declaration
December 20, 2016

On December 9, 2016, Mali became one of the final ECOWAS (Economic Community of West Africa) countries to sign the Dakar Declaration on Factoring Key Populations in the Response to HIV and AIDS. HP+ had been working with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene and the National High Council to Fight against AIDS for several months to obtain a signature on the Declaration.

Education Advocates Empowered by New Mobile Education App
Education Advocates Empowered by New Mobile Education App
December 20, 2016

Representatives from Guatemala's Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) launched EscuelAPP, a new mobile application designed to enhance civil society's role in holding the national government accountable for high-quality education. The application was developed by the USAID-funded Health and Education Policy Plus (HEP+) and is linked to a database created and maintained by HEP+ and its predecessor policy projects.

HP+ Celebrates Universal Health Coverage Day 2016
HP+ Celebrates Universal Health Coverage Day 2016
December 12, 2016

This December, HP+ staff, will join others from across the globe in standing for #HealthForAll on this year’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day.

First Annual Anita Datar Prize Awarded in Mali
First Annual Anita Datar Prize Awarded in Mali
December 8, 2016

It has been one year since our colleague and friend, Anita Datar, was tragically and senselessly killed while she was working in Bamako, Mali. Anita, along with a team of colleagues from Mali and the United States, were in Bamako to meet with local government and civil society members to launch Health Policy Plus – a program which aims to improve health services, and equitable access to them, for all Malians.

HP+ Brings It All Together on World AIDS Day
HP+ Brings It All Together on World AIDS Day
November 30, 2016

Each step in the continuum is part of a complex and continuous process that needs our full commitment and investment to better serve those living with and affected by HIV.

Kenya Counties Adopt New Budgeting Approach, Commit US$2 Million to HIV
Kenya Counties Adopt New Budgeting Approach, Commit US$2 Million to HIV
November 22, 2016

welve counties in Kenya have adopted a new budgeting approach and increased their health sector allocations, following training and support in program-based budgeting (PBB). By implementing PBB, an approach that ties funds to priority health areas, the 12 counties increased their collective health sector allocations by Kshs 1.2 billion (approximately US$12 million) from the previous fiscal year (FY) 2015/16 budget.

HP+ Joins Thousands at the 4th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research
HP+ Joins Thousands at the 4th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research
November 18, 2016

HP+ joined more than 2,000 delegates from 101 countries gathered to explore building resilient and responsive health systems at the 4th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR2016). Held in Vancouver, the meeting concluded on November 18, 2016, when members released a statement reflecting key themes emerging from the week’s discourse and a path forward in our field.

HP+ costing work helping to expand Kenya's free maternal health program
HP+ costing work helping to expand Kenya's free maternal health program
October 29, 2016

HP+ provided assistance to Kenya’s Ministry of Health (MoH) and the NHIF to re-design the program and to cost the benefits package, ensuring that the government allocated adequate resources. HP+ supported the MoH to collect and synthesize data on what resources were required to implement the program under NHIF.

HP+ at RHSC: Sharing Best Practices in Costed Implementation Plan Execution
HP+ at RHSC: Sharing Best Practices in Costed Implementation Plan Execution
October 20, 2016

Attending the 17th General Membership Meeting of the Reproductive Health Supply Coalition (RHSC)—held October 10–14 in Seattle, Washington—technical leadership from the USAID-funded Health Policy Plus (HP+) project shared their work on Costed Implementation Plans (CIPs) with hundreds of family planning and reproductive health stakeholders from around the world.

Mauritania Adopts a Law on Reproductive Health after Sustained Advocacy Efforts
Mauritania Adopts a Law on Reproductive Health after Sustained Advocacy Efforts
October 10, 2016

After nearly 20 years of sustained advocacy efforts Mauritania, the Council of Ministers of the government of Mauritania approved the text of a new Reproductive Health (RH) Law submitted by the Minister of Health.

HP+ Initiates Pakistan Women's Leadership Program
HP+ Initiates Pakistan Women's Leadership Program
October 7, 2016

From October 3-7, in Islamabad, HP+ initiated the Pakistan's Women's Leadership: Achieving Sindh's FP 2020 Commitments program, which builds on HPP's successful model for strengthening women's individual leadership and collective FP/RH policy advocacy, as well as an innovative HP+ core-funded and women-centered approach to accountability for FP 2020 commitments.

Health Spending in Kenya Up, but Need for Increased Capacity and Funds Remain
Health Spending in Kenya Up, but Need for Increased Capacity and Funds Remain
October 3, 2016

A new HP+ study shows that the Kenyan government has gradually increased its investment in the nation’s health sector over the past several years. These increases have occurred not only at the national level, but also among Kenya’s counties which collectively boosted their health contributions by nearly one-third from the previous year.

Evidence of the Impact of Contraceptive Prevalence  Supports Official Statements
Evidence of the Impact of Contraceptive Prevalence Supports Official Statements
September 21, 2016

HP+ recently shared our work at the four-day National Family Planning Conference in Antananarivo, Madagascar, a space for donors and family planning (FP) stakeholders to share their work and progress in facilitating Madagascar's increased investment in FP access.

HP+ Kenya/East Africa supports proposed East African Community Health Policy
HP+ Kenya/East Africa supports proposed East African Community Health Policy
September 15, 2016

HP+ Kenya/East Africa provided technical assistance to an East Africa Community (EAC) workshop to review and validate the proposed EAC Health Policy.

HP+ Convened Project Team for Third Partners Meeting
HP+ Convened Project Team for Third Partners Meeting
September 14, 2016

Last week HP+ convened a meeting drawing together representatives from this project team for their third partners meeting. This particular meeting provided a space to discuss the integration of gender and capacity-building in project activities.

Study on Male Circumcision Influences Malawi's VMMC  Approach
Study on Male Circumcision Influences Malawi's VMMC Approach
September 8, 2016

Based on an HPP study, the Government of Malawi is shifting its VMMC focus to aim to have 60 percent of males between the ages of 10 and 34 in 14 of Malawi's 28 districts circumcised by 2025. If Malawi reaches this goal the study calculates a potential total savings of $344 million.

New Article in GHSP Provides Recommendations on Best Practices for Postabortion Care Globally
New Article in GHSP Provides Recommendations on Best Practices for Postabortion Care Globally
August 26, 2016

The most recent issue of Global Health: Science and Practice, includes an article co-authored by HP+’s Sara Pappa. The piece offers key study findings and program recommendations for improved Postabortion Care (PAC) services worldwide.

New PLOS Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Modeling Collection Focuses on Programmatic Next Steps
New PLOS Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Modeling Collection Focuses on Programmatic Next Steps
July 26, 2016

This new PLOS Collection developed in collaboration with USAID, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focuses on the next steps of the program and features new modelling articles published in PLOS ONE and PLOS Medicine aiming to help countries examine the potential effects of focusing on specific sub-populations for male circumcision services.

Amendment to National Hospital Insurance Fund Act Will Expand Health Insurance Coverage in Kenya
Amendment to National Hospital Insurance Fund Act Will Expand Health Insurance Coverage in Kenya
July 22, 2016

Supported by USAID's Health Policy Plus project, Kenya's parliamentary health committee adopted an amendment bill to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) act.

Herminia Reyes, Director of Guatemala's HEP+, is awarded the National Order Francisco Marroquin
Herminia Reyes, Director of Guatemala's HEP+, is awarded the National Order Francisco Marroquin
July 19, 2016

During the June 25th celebrations of Guatemala's Day of the Teacher, Herminia Reyes was one of four educators awarded the National Order Francisco Marroquín by President Jimmy Morales. This medal, awarded since 1963, is the highest honor for educators in the country. It recognizes educators who have distinguished themselves and improved education for the benefit of Guatemala. Ms. Reyes was among 92 nominees for this prestigious recognition.

HP+ at the 2016 International AIDS Conference
HP+ at the 2016 International AIDS Conference
July 17, 2016

To better respond to the ongoing global AIDS epidemic, thousands of advocates, researchers, civil society members, policymakers, people living with HIV, and journalists gathered in Durban, South Africa this July to share knowledge, discuss critical issues, and reveal new scientific findings. HP+ staff were there as well participating in these exchanges and contributing evidence and ideas on how the field can improve access, equity, and rights in the global HIV response.

World Population Day 2016 Statement
World Population Day 2016 Statement
July 11, 2016

World Population Day 2016 gives us the opportunity to take stock of our progress in addressing a variety of population issues vital to helping people achieve their own potential, and helping countries achieve their economic growth goals.

New Article on Costed Implementation Plans for Family Planning in Global Health Science and Practice
New Article on Costed Implementation Plans for Family Planning in Global Health Science and Practice
June 27, 2016

An article published this week in Global Health Science and Practice presents a case study from Uganda's costed implementation plan for family planning. The piece was co-authored by HP+ Project Director, Suneeta Sharma, HP+'s Deputy Director, FP/RH, James N. Gribble, and HP+/RTI's Alyson Lipsky, alongside USAID's Linda Cahaelen.

Palladium Honors Anita Datar as Dedicated Global Health Leader
Palladium Honors Anita Datar as Dedicated Global Health Leader
June 7, 2016

The memorial event was sponsored by Palladium, for whom Anita worked, and attended by approximately 200 of Anita’s friends, family members, and colleagues. Farley Cleghorn, head of Palladium’s global health practice, moderated. Other guests who had been personally and professionally close to Anita used spoken word, art, and song to celebrate her life and her many lasting contributions to the field of global health and development.

HP+ Shares Work on Transforming Gender Norms at 2016 Women Deliver Conference
HP+ Shares Work on Transforming Gender Norms at 2016 Women Deliver Conference
May 1, 2016

This event shared findings from the systematic review of Transforming Gender Norms, Roles, and Power Dynamics for Better Health. Participants were able to discuss and apply evidence-based strategies that transform gender norms, roles, and relationships for successful improvements in FP/MNCH outcomes.

Something to Build On: HEPP's
Something to Build On: HEPP's "Innovation Exchange"
February 24, 2016

Over the past five years, HEPP contributed technical assistance around health, nutrition, and educational policies, and strengthened Guatemala’s investments in social development. With this support, the country’s government and civil society oversaw improvements in transparency, accountability, gender equity, and multiculturalism.

HP+ at the 2016 International Family Planning Conference
HP+ at the 2016 International Family Planning Conference
January 29, 2016

In late January we participated in the 2016 International Family Planning Conference. This is a recap of our presentations and related blogs.

New Study Analyzes HIV Treatment Funding Needs and Gaps in 97 Countries
New Study Analyzes HIV Treatment Funding Needs and Gaps in 97 Countries
December 1, 2015

A modeling study published last week in the journal PLOS Medicine shows that site-level HIV treatment will cost $53 billion in 97 countries worldwide in order to achieve the "90-90-90" treatment targets set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

Busy Fall Sharing HP+'s Work Across the Globe
Busy Fall Sharing HP+'s Work Across the Globe
November 15, 2015

This fall the project was presenting its work at international conferences and fora across the globe. This story covers three of those presentations.

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Health Policy Plus (HP+) is a seven-year cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development under Agreement No. AID-OAA-A-15-00051, beginning August 28, 2015. HP+ is implemented by Palladium, in collaboration with Avenir Health, Futures Group Global Outreach, Plan International USA, Population Reference Bureau, RTI International, ThinkWell, and the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood.

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The information provided on this website is not official U.S. Government information and does not necessarily represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

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